All articles tagged with #maternal mortality
Global health agencies have released new guidelines emphasizing earlier detection and rapid intervention for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal death worldwide, including new diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols to save lives and improve outcomes.
A Texas woman, Porsha Ngumezi, died after receiving inadequate medical treatment for a miscarriage, highlighting the impact of abortion bans on healthcare. Ngumezi, who was 10 weeks pregnant, experienced heavy bleeding and was given misoprostol instead of a dilation and curettage (D&C), a procedure some doctors avoid due to fear of legal repercussions. This incident is part of a broader issue where women in states with strict abortion laws face delayed or inadequate care, contributing to maternal mortality.
A TikTok video has highlighted the shock of British citizens upon learning about the high costs of healthcare in the United States, including ambulance fees, childbirth expenses, and even charges for holding a newborn after a C-section. Unlike the UK's NHS, which provides free healthcare services funded by taxes, Americans often face exorbitant medical bills, leading some to avoid necessary care due to cost concerns. The US healthcare system is criticized for its high expenses despite poorer health outcomes compared to other wealthy nations.
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with 22 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, significantly higher than countries like Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. Black women in the U.S. face nearly 50 deaths per 100,000 births, highlighting severe racial disparities in maternal care. Contributing factors include lack of postpartum support, insufficient maternity care providers, and absence of mandated paid leave, unlike other high-income countries. Addressing these issues with a focus on equity is crucial to reducing maternal mortality rates.
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with 22 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, significantly higher than other countries like Norway, which reported zero maternal deaths. The rate is even higher among Black women in the US. Contributing factors include a shortage of midwives, lack of universal health coverage, and insufficient postpartum care. The report calls for policy changes to address these issues and improve maternal health outcomes.
Pregnant women and new mothers in the U.S. are facing a severe mental health crisis, with mental health conditions being the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. Maternal mortality rates have surged by 60% between 2019 and 2021, driven by suicides and overdoses. Despite a slight dip in maternal deaths in 2022, experts warn that more data is needed to confirm a true decline. Limited mental health screenings and a shortage of mental health providers exacerbate the issue, while unplanned pregnancies following the overturning of Roe v. Wade may further impact maternal mental health.
Dr. Ingrid Skop, a prominent anti-abortion activist, has been appointed to a Texas health committee reviewing maternal deaths, raising concerns among reproductive justice advocates. Critics argue that Skop's views and past actions, including her stance on young girls giving birth and her opposition to abortion, could undermine the committee's ability to accurately assess the impact of Texas's strict abortion laws on maternal mortality. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has questioned her appointment, emphasizing the need for unbiased, data-driven committee members.
Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal "Krissy" Anderson died at 40 from cardiac arrest caused by sepsis shortly after the stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson. Her husband, Clayton Anderson, criticized the healthcare system's one-size-fits-all approach to maternal care, particularly for Black women, and described the events leading to her death. Black maternal mortality rates in the US are disproportionately high, and recent studies have shown minority women may be more at risk for sepsis. Krystal Anderson, a software engineer, had made significant contributions to improving healthcare. The hospital treating her could not comment on her case due to privacy laws.
Clayton Anderson, husband of former Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader Krystal Anderson, who died after giving birth to a stillborn child, spoke out about her death and the racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Krystal, who was Black, died of sepsis and cardiac arrest after experiencing complications during her pregnancy. Clayton highlighted the need for better care for high-risk pregnancies, especially for women of color, and criticized the one-size-fits-all approach in healthcare. The tragic incident has brought attention to the Black maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. and the need for improved healthcare for pregnant women, particularly those at higher risk.
Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal "Krissy" Anderson died of cardiac arrest caused by sepsis shortly after the stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson. Her husband, Clayton Anderson, criticized the healthcare system's one-size-fits-all approach to maternal care, particularly for Black women, and described the events leading to her death. Krystal had suffered a stillbirth and a miscarriage scare before her death. The hospital treating her expressed condolences but couldn't comment on specifics. Black maternal mortality rates in the US are high, and recent studies show minority women may be more at risk for sepsis. Krystal, a software engineer, had made significant contributions to improving healthcare.
A doctor at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn was fired after being involved in the deaths of an infant and a mother during childbirth. State investigators found that medical staff ignored worrying signs during the infant's birth, and the same doctor was later involved in the mother's death. The hospital, known for racial disparities in maternal mortality, was declared to be in "immediate jeopardy" by state health officials. The city's public hospital system has promised changes and enhancements to its obstetrics and anesthesiology departments following the incidents.
Krystal Anderson, a former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, passed away at 40 shortly after giving birth to her stillborn daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson. She battled sepsis and underwent three surgeries before succumbing to organ failure. Anderson, a beloved figure in the Chiefs community, was also a software engineer and had previously lost an infant son. Her tragic death highlights the ongoing issue of maternal mortality, particularly among Black women, in the United States.
Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson, 40, passed away unexpectedly shortly after giving birth to her stillborn daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson. She battled sepsis and underwent three surgeries before succumbing to organ failure. Anderson, a beloved cheerleader and yoga instructor, was also a software engineer who made significant contributions to healthcare. Her tragic death highlights the ongoing issue of maternal mortality, particularly among Black women, in the United States.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals that the U.S. maternal mortality rate has nearly doubled between 2014 and 2021, with the greatest relative increases occurring among individuals aged 25 to 34. Contrary to popular belief, the spike in maternal deaths is not solely due to older maternal age, but rather a concerning trend across all age groups. The study emphasizes the need to identify the underlying causes of this acceleration, with prior research suggesting cardiovascular disease as a major contributor. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of better national infrastructure and surveillance programs to address the root causes of this maternal health crisis, while also highlighting the need for further investigation into the role of racial differences in maternal mortality rates.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that the US's maternal mortality rate may be lower than previously reported, with outside researchers using a different method to calculate the rate. The study found that the rate was 10.4 deaths per 100,000 births from 2018 to 2021, lower than the CDC's figures. However, racial disparities persist, with Black women three times more likely to have fatal complications. Reliable data on maternal mortality is crucial for understanding causes and interventions, and while the study offers evidence that the problem may not be as large, it remains an urgent issue.